Applicability of FLOTAC® technique in recovering equine strongyle larvae in the pasture: A comparison study.

This research article investigates the efficacy of the FLOTAC technique in isolating nematode larvae in pastures, particularly equine strongyle larvae, and compares its performance to the traditional spontaneous sedimentation (SST) and centrifugal sedimentation (CST) techniques. Findings suggest that the FLOTAC technique is a practical and sensitive method for the isolation of these harmful parasites in the field.

Introduction to the FLOTAC Technique

• The FLOTAC technique is a diagnostic tool typically used for isolating oocysts, eggs, and larvae of parasites found in faeces.
• This research applies it to a novel purpose, using it to detect free-living stages of nematodes, a type of parasite, in pasture environments.

Research Methodology

• The research took place on a horse farm in northeastern Brazil, an area known for the occurrence of strongyle larvae.
• Pasture samples were taken monthly from January to May 2016, spanning a total of 376 m of crop area.
• The researchers then used the FLOTAC technique, SST, and CST to isolate and identify any third-stage (L3) larvae found in the samples.
• Statistical measures, including Cohen’s kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy, were evaluated for each technique.

Results and Findings

• All three methods were able to detect strongyle larvae, belonging to the Cyathostominae and Strongylinae subfamilies.
• However, the FLOTAC technique yielded the highest number of positive samples – 41 out of the 100 tested, making it statistically significant (p < .0001).

Implications and Recommendations

• The authors conclude that the FLOTAC technique should be considered as a practical and sensitive method for isolating nematode larvae from pasture areas.
• This could potentially pave the way for wider usage of the FLOTAC technique in the field, beyond its conventional application in faecal analysis.